Six Beautiful Hair Styles for Natural 4C Hair

Since I decided to go natural searching for new fun hair styles has been a journey and am really not a fan of weaves and braids. My natural 4C hair journey started two years back where I finally made the big chop. There are several reasons I decided to go down this road mainly because of the many life threatening side effects associated with relaxers. The difficult part was cutting of my shoulder length hair, it really was the trickiest part of the whole process but I realized one thing if I never appreciate my real hair the way it is, how would I ever be able to tell my future daughter that her hair is perfect just the way it is and God does not make mistakes (sort of proclaiming my black power/heritage). The first step was to let my natural 4C hair grow for about a month without touching up the roots then I had my barber cut off the straight permed hair and finally shave my head even so I had a mini afro. I decided earlier on that I would avoid using heat (a blow dryer) to straighten out my tight kinks because let’s face it you only go through the big chop to enjoy wearing that Afro and the afro puff and excessive use of heat would cause my hair to remain straight and not curl. So now two years down the line my current hair length when stretched out is 12 cms but it is a journey and I have a long way to go to reach Mr. Harlem’s length. The best moisturizer for my hair I have come to discover is quite simple; water and am sure many people with natural hair can attest to that. So as I braid my hair before bed time I add water to soften out my hair. 

My favorite oils:

1.       Olive oil for shine and strength,

2.       Coconut oil for moisture and health,

3.       Shea butter seals in moisture,

4.       Glycerine to add moisture when it gets really dry

 also see 5 natural remedies for fuller and longer hair

For the list above my hair type is actually dry like my skin type many of you may probable be wondering what 4C hair type is, It that really kinky African hair with real tight coils that kind of look like an “O” when it breaks off. See the diagram below for your hair type

So currently my hair is 12 cm long when stretched out and curls back down to 5cm after a wash (shrinkage is real). Currently my go to hair styles are short Afro or High Afro puff. But since am feeling my hair is at a point it can do more I decided to look around for some inspirations and here are my top looks for an all-natural Hair style with my overall vision being Benny’s natural hair length in 6 years( Scroll to the bottom of the page if you are curious who Benny is). 

Focusing on 4C hair here are a few natural hair styles for both short and longer natural 4C hair:

A)     The AFro

1.       Short Afro: I use to wear my hair like this because it is cute and still professional and just beautiful.

Foods That Boost Your Immune System

Meats by Wikimedia

Immunity is your body’s ability to fight off infections, diseases or other unwanted biological invasions while at the same time avoiding allergies or other autoimmune diseases. To maintain a healthy immune system or boost your immune system most doctors recommend exercising, eating healthy as well as avoiding smoking and saturated fats. Some signs and symptoms of a weak immune system include fatigue, rashes, mild fevers, joint pains, hair loss, headaches and reoccurring infections. However to determine whether you have an immune disorder or weak immune system your doctor will perform a blood test. The test will check if you have a healthy amount of infection fighting proteins (immunoglobulin) in your blood as well as your levels of blood cells and immune system cells.

There are simple ways to maintain a healthy immune system and boost your immune system for both adults and children by

·         Regular exercise

·         Washing your hands regularly

·         Avoid smoking and second hand smoke

·         Get enough sleep

·         Avoid over use of antibiotic (only use antibiotics when prescribed by a doctor)

·         Eating a healthy and balanced diet

There certain foods in particular that help boost, maintain and regulate the healthy functions of your body’s immune systems. Foods that boost your immune system or help protect a weak immune system include:

1.      Iron rich foods

Meat, poultry, fish, shellfish, legumes, nuts, seeds, dried fruits and cruciferous vegetables

10 Natural Remedies for High Blood Pressure

Dark Chocolate by Simon A. Eugster from Wikipedia Common

High blood pressure is no longer an illness affecting the older segment of our population due to the added pressure put on the younger generation and the change in our daily diet. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is when your blood pressure is 140/90 mmhg or more for a sustained period of time. The symptoms you may experience with hypertension include headaches, nausea, dizziness, blurred vision, nosebleeds, breathlessness and palpitations.

Common Causes of High Blood Pressure

• Obesity causes the heart to work harder increasing your blood pressure.
• Excessive salt in snacks and food will impair nitric oxide in your body, nitric oxide regulates blood pressure by dilating arteries which improves blood flow.
• Smoking is another cause of hypertension which narrows your arteries thus increasing your blood pressure.

Why You Need That Bottle of Water

Our bodies are made up of 60% water, these bodily fluids are essential in aiding digestion, circulation, absorption and transporting of nutrients as well as maintaining body’s temperature. Every day we lose water from our bodies from perspiration, urine and other bodily functions therefore maintaining the balance of body fluids can only be achieved by replenishing the fluids lost. Some doctors recommend consuming 3 to 2 liters of water a day to maintain a healthy body. Though the more popular notion is the “8 by 8” rule, that is 8 glasses of water a day ( about 1.9 liters) since we still take in water from fresh fruits, vegetables and other beverages. However caffeinated drinks and alcohol tend to dehydrate your body only fresh juices are recommended due to the added benefits of vitamins and minerals. In addition most beverages have the disadvantage of calories which will lead to weight gain if taken in excess. Therefore a glass of water is the best alternative to be taken with every meal or snack.

A glass of mineral water by Walter J. Pilsak from Wikimedia Commons

Importance of Water

1. Water promotes healthy glowing skin and believe it or not actually prevents wrinkles. This is because dehydration tends to dry out your skin leaving it dull and ten times older in

My Kitchen Beauty Spa

My Kitchen Beauty Spa: Natural & Organic Beauty Secrets: A Quick and Easy Guide to Homemade Face & Body Scrubs, Skin Lighteners, Foot Baths, Hair Treatments and Hair Removal Recipes: Buy AT Amazon

5 Natural Remedies For Dry and Cracked Feet

Cracked and dry heels can be an embarrassment to you and even prevent you from wearing your favorite pair of open shoes or sandals. Most cracked heel develops from dry skin caused by excess heat, skin infection and walking around bare foot. Here are some natural remedies you can use to get beautiful soft feet.

Beautiful heel by Stilfehler via Wikipedia Commons

Diet

A diet s rich in vitamin E such as broccoli, papaya, avocados and almonds can help prevent cracked feet. Read more on dietary needs see Live Strong

Banana Foot Bath

Banana is rich in vitamins and antioxidants that protect and heal damaged skin and cracked heels. Banana exfoliates your skin removing dead skin cells at the same time moisturizing your feet. To prepare a banana foot bath, blend or mash up one banana with 2 cup of warm water until smooth. Then pour the mixture into a small basin or bucket and place your feet into the solution. Allow you feet to soak in the mixture for 20 minutes. Then rub the solution over your toes and heels for about 2 minutes using a pumice stone. Then rinse off with water and moisturize.

5 Naturals Ways To Have Full and Long Healthy Hair

There several chemicals in hair products and in our external environment that damage our hair over time. Treating your hair to prevent product build up or breakage will allow you to develop strong and healthy hair. Here are some hair masks and treatments you can try all using natural and organic ingredients.

Beautiful natural hair from Wikipedia Commons

Apples Juice Treatment

Apple juice is great in preventing hair loss, dandruff, itchy scalp and adding an extra shine to your hair. Apple juice also makes your hair soft and easy to manage. Malic acid in apple juice prevents

Ovulation And Determining The Gender Of Your Children

What is Ovulation?

Women under the age of 40 have an 80% chance of getting pregnant. A healthy baby girl fetus has 1 to 2 million eggs in their ovaries, which immediately start dying off. Ovulation is when your ovaries release an egg or more into your Fallopian tubes. The egg can only survive for 24 hours after you have ovulated. The egg or eggs can only become fertile after your partner’s sperm and egg meet in the Fallopian tube.

photo by Ken Hammond USDA of Wikipeia Commons

Ovulation begins on average 10 to 16 days before your period starts, though this does not apply with women who have irregular cycles, and will vary from cycle to cycle. Common cycles are between 23 to 35 days where as a regular cycle is 28 days. The first day of your period is day 1 of your cycle and a period could last for 3 to 7 days on average.  Ovulation with women with irregular cycles may occur a week before or after in every given month. There are body signs you could look for when you ovulate, this includes;

10 Natural Ways to Lighten Your Skin

I love the different complexions I see around me every day. As women we are always looking for ways to maintain a glowing and youthful complexion. Over the years the effects of the sun, change in body size, scars, stretch marks and acne tend to darken our complexion and leave us with an uneven skin tone. Using chemical to bleach our skins in the form of chemical peels, mercury and bleaching cream can lead to long term damage to your skin and in some cases death. Therefore I looked into natural ways to lighten your skin, regain your skins elasticity, reduce the appearance of scar and treat acne. The following are the top 10 natural ways to lighten your skin.

Turmeric By Simon A. Eugster  Wikimedia Commons

1.      Turmeric

This is a famous Indian skin care regime with antiseptic properties that relieve sun burns. Turmeric is an exfoliating agent effective in reducing the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and acne. Turmeric will lighten your skin tone and fades away scars as well as stretch marks, giving you an even complexion. Turmeric also inhibits melanin production preventing your skin from tanning.

Crazy About Calories

In a world where we are more concerned about a trim waist line than a healthy functioning heart, we spend most of our days planning meals with a limited amount of calories and forgoing the health benefits we would get from healthier meals. 

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia Commons By Orcunkoktuna

Here are some challenges calorie counters face;

Coffee versus Tea?

There is only 1 calorie in a mug of coffee where as a mug of tea contains 2 calories. Coffee and tea both contain antioxidants great in fighting cancer. Coffee also has the benefit of boosting brain

Ebola: The Big E

The Ebola virus disease (EVD) was first discovered in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1972 after two separate out breaks occurred. The name was derived from the Ebola River in the Democratic Republic of Congo where the first outbreak had occurred. However upon further study it was discovered to be similar to the Marburg virus discovered in 1967 after an outbreak occurred in Marburg and Frankfurt, Germany.

Ebola Virus photo courtesy of Wikipedia Commons By Thomas W. Geisbert

The Ebola virus disease is believed to be carried by fruit bats that infect people and other mammals. Among the human population and other mammals the virus is spread through coming into contact with infected blood or other bodily fluids of a person or mammal. The symptoms will usually occur after 2 to 3 weeks after coming into contact with an infected person or mammal.

Fighting Cancer with Lemons

You may have heard the new fad that lemons are the new natural way to preventing and curing cancer. Taking lemonade, eating the lemon pulp directly or even on pastries may help fight all types of cancers. Although, according to stop cancer fund, this has not been scientifically proven, lemons do have some anti-cancer properties and are an anti-microbial spectrum against bacterial infections and fungi, lemons are effective against internal parasites and worms, Lemons also regulate blood pressure and act as an antidepressant.

photo courtesy of Wikipedia Commons

Properties of Lemon

Lemons contain mainly sugars and citric acid however the outer layer (zest) contains essential oils, 90% limonene (which has anti-cancer properties), 5% citral, and small amounts of cintronellal, alphaterpineol, linayl and geranyl acetate. The inner layer contains glycosides and coumarin derivative that give lemon’s their bitter taste. So what are the health benefits of lemon towards fighting cancer.

A Natural Way to Prevent Wrinkles and Boost Your Health with Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkins seeds also known as pepitas have numerous benefits to reduce wrinkle and rejuvenate your skin. They are rich in amino acids, Omega-3 oils, minerals and vitamins that are not only great for your skin but also improve and repair body functions. Pumpkin seeds are not only a tasty snack but also a healthy snack to add to your diet or even to your beauty regimen.

photo courtesy of wikipedia Commons

Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds for Your Skin

·        Pumpkin seeds contain alpha hydroxyl acids which is a main ingredient in anti-wrinkle creams. They rejuvenate the skin by removing dead skin cells and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

7 Health Benefits of Eating Onions Daily

Whether you are enjoying your Spanish omelette, pilau with kachumbari or preparing any meal onions are always a key ingredient. Onions are a prized member of the lily family with numerous health benefits especially if eaten raw.

image courtesy of wikipedia commons

Health Benefits of Eating Onions

There are numerous health benefits you can get from eating onions but just to list a few;

  ·       Onions have a large quantity of sulfur that stimulates the action  of amino acids to influence brain function as well as the        nervous system.

  ·       Onions contain phytochemicals which boost your body’s    immune system by improving the absorption of Vitamin C.

     ·        Chromium contained in onions helps in regulating your blood sugar levels.

Top Four Ways to Get Rid Of Oily Skin

Not everyone has a normal skin type and although there are some people who have a combination of different skin types on different parts of their body most people tend to have either dry or oily skin. Although younger women are more likely to have normal skin but with time their skin types may begin to change. The type of skin you have will vary depending on a number of factors such as water content, oil (lipid) content and sensitivity levels. One particular skin type most women have trouble dealing with is oily skin also known as Seborrhea. Everyone has sebaceous glands that produce oil to keep the skin protected however for some people (particularly women) these gland produce more oil than normal which results in enlarged pores, dull or shiny skin tone and sometimes a thick complexion. This may result to other conditions such as blackheads, pimples or other blemishes which become worse as a result of stress, exposure to heat, poor diet and even due to exposure to too much humidity. If you want to get rid of oily skin  here are a four skin care regimes you could try.

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

Cleansers

A gel cleanser is the best facial cleanser to use and will provide you with a deep follicular cleansing leaving your skin feeling fresh and soft. You are best advised to avoid any cream cleanser as it will leave a thin layer on your face which can worsen your oily skin problems. Avoid using soaps that are not designed for your oily skin as they tend to leave your skin dry. You should also consider washing your skin no more than twice a day.

Clay Masks

Clay masks are great for oily skin as they do not only soak up all the dirt and grease but will also unclog pores. It is recommended that you use a clay mask at least once a week to minimize the appearance of pores.  Ensure that the mask does not dry completely to the point it starts to flake, this will draw all the moisture out of your skin causing dehydration and irritation. Then once a week use an exfoliated scrub to remove the dead skin cells as well as the oil and dirt that accumulate on your skin. The granules within the scrub are effective in clearing large pores when gently massage into your skin. Choose a product that containing Alpha hydroxyl acids (AHAs) which

In Pursuit of Happiness

Happiness… what is happiness? An intense emotion of joy or contentment, based on an individual’s understanding or perception of what may bring him or her to that respective state. Like a fingerprint some may come slightly close but never the same, perhaps the same is said about happiness for where one person may find pleasure or joy another person only sees pain and misery. Therefore happiness is a personal journey that you can only achieve on your own accord. Achieving happiness now that’s a different thing altogether, we do not always get what we want nor do we always want what we get and as the great Greek philosopher, Socrates once said, “he who is not content with what he has would not be content with what he would like to have.”

Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia

Finding contentment with what you have is the first step towards happiness, knowing that whatever you have is enough. The grass will always be greener on the other side but what most people do not realize is that the person on the other side is probably thinking the same thing. Your effort is rightly reflected in your rewards, at times it may not seem as much but with time it will seem more than enough. Contentment should be the foundation on which you should build your happiness upon, it is not only stable but enduring. Contentment, in an overall sense, is being thankful for all you have and for all the past events that have led you to where you are.

The pursuit of happiness sometimes requires yours set up four walls to protect you from suffering and any event that can take you off your journey. These include;

Pleasant Environment; happiness is infectious when you surrounding yourself with happy people you are bound to be a happier person. In pursuit of happiness it is important not to spend your day

Getting Out of Your Depressed State

Depression is best described as being in a low mood where you may feel sad, anxious, empty, hurt or helpless. The state of depression will affect your thoughts, behavior and feelings which will eventually affect your overall health. Some symptoms common with depression include the loss of interest in the things that you once enjoyed doing, lack of appetite, digestive problems and fatigue. Depression is not always a psychiatric disorder as it may at time be associated with life events, medical condition or a side effect to certain drugs. However prolonged depression will require psychiatric treatment or you may opt for natural cures for depression.

Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia

The natural treatment for depression which proves to be very effective requires you to get into a daily routine, this is to bring some form of normality back into your life until you stabilize. You can start out by setting target or goals that you want to achieve in a day, it could be meeting with friends or even cleaning the house. Trying something new or fun will help you to challenge yourself to start thinking positive thought and believing in what you can achieve. In addition you should ensure you eat healthy meals and get enough sleep and with time you will

Dealing with Stress

Psychological Stress would be defined as the feeling of strain and pressure. Some of the symptoms associated with stress include anxiety, nervousness, high or low blood pressure, skin eruptions and panic attacks. Positive stress is at time desirable especially to athletes’ performance however excessive stress will be harmful to your body.  Stress can be external (environmental factors) or internal (emotional factors) and can worsen existing conditions such as clinical depression, cardiovascular diseases and HIV.

How to Manage Stress?

Photo Courtesy of  Wikipedia

Friend and Family

Sharing your problems with your trusted friend or family member will help you relieve stress. However if they are the stressors in your situation a guidance counselor would be a better alternative. Most churches offer counseling services for free or you could seek out a professional.

Prayer and Meditation

Meditation or pray helps your mind focus on your situation at the same time relaxing your body. When you share your problems with God, you allow yourself to heal by releasing your problems that have been giving you stress. Do not know how to pray visit Victory International for a prayer on depression. 

Exercise

Taking up exercising for a few minutes every day has been known to relief stress almost immediately. So whether it is taking a walk, swimming or joining a yoga

Backpacking India - Dibru-Saikhowa National Park

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

The Dibru-Saikhowa National Park with its exquisite natural beauty is renowned world over for its diversity of wildlife and the largest forest swamp in the North-East Asia. The park is situated 10km north from Tinsukia district in Assam. The Dibru-Saikhowa National Park covers an area of 340 sq kms between the Lohit and the Dibru rivers. The park was declared a sanctuary in 1986 and elevated to a National Park in 1999. Home to over 36 species of mammal as well as over 382 species of birds, the park was initially a sanctuary for the Whitewinged wood ducks in their natural habitat. However, it is popular for their Feral Horses that roam the park. The Feral horses are commonly known as Janghali ghura and there are over 79 feral horses that are found in Assam. The reason for their popularity is based on the fact that their actual origins are not known, however some have concluded that they are descendants of the horses that escaped the army camps during World War II. The Ferah horses together with the Tigers, Asian Elephants and the Red Giant Flying Squirrel, I believe make up the big four mammals of Dibru-Saikhowa National park. Tourist will also enjoy seeing the Hoolock Gibbon, Gangentic River Dolphins and Wild Buffalos which are just as popular in the Assam tourism sector.

The Dibru-Saikhowa National Park is open throughout the year however the best time to visit would be around November to April. The park has no road for vehicles; this requires visitors to hire small motorized boats to travel within the park or a guide to walk them through some of the areas situated in the park. If you would like to stay longer, you can always find accommodations a few kilometers

What You Did Not Know About Herpes

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

Herpes is not always sexually transmitted but it is caused by an infection called Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV).  Some types of herpes self heal with time where others may require antiviral treatment, it is unfortunate though that none of serious infection of herpes can be cured. There are 8 types of herpes that affect human beings.

Types of Herpes

Cold Sore Photo courtesy of Wikipedia 

1)      Human Herpes Virus 1(HHV1) which causes cold sores around the mouth and can lead to infection around the genital area and can be spread through sharing items.

2)      Human Herpes Virus 2(HHV2) also known as Herpes Simplex Virus 2(HSV2)which also causes cold sores around the mouth and genitalia and can be spread through skin contact.

3)      Human herpes Virus 3(HHV3) also known as varicella-zoster virus and which cause chickenpox and is transmitted through skin contact. Herpes zoster or shingles is also a HHV3 virus which is much serious and takes even longer to heal.

4)      Human herpes virus 4 also known as Epstein-barr is the major cause of mononucleosis or mono the kissing disease and is transmitted through saliva.